Transportable antenna tower



Jan. 30, 1968 D. HOLZSCHUH ETAL 3,365,853

TRANSPORTABLE ANTENNA TOWER Filed Dec. 2, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 l .\l VENTORS IVAN E. JOHNSON AGENTS DONALD L. HOLZSCHUH Jan. 30, 1968 Filed Dec. 1964 D. L. HOLZSCHUH ETAL TRANSPORTABLE ANTENNA TOWER 5 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTORS DONALD L.. HOLZSCHUH IVAN E. JOHNSON AGENTS Jan. 30, 1968 Filed Dec. 2, 1964 D. L. HOLZSCHUH ETAL TRANSPORTABLE ANTENNA TOWER 5 Sheets-Sheet 5' INVENTORS DONALD L. HOLZSCHUH IVAN E. JOHNSON GENTS Jan. 30, 1968 D. L. HOLZSCHUH ETAL 3,365,853

TRANSPORTABLE ANTENNA TOWER Filed Dec. 2, 1964 5 SheetsSheet 4 FIG ll INVENTORS DONALD L. HOLZSCHUH IVAN E. JOHNSON WWLMW AGENTS 1968 D. L. HOLZSCHUH ETAL' 3,365,353

TRANSPORTABLE ANTENNA TOWER Filed Dec. 2, 1964 5 Sheets-Sheet b FIG l2 l/NVlL-Vl HRS DONALD L. HOLZSCHUH IVAN E. JOHNSON AGENTS United States Patent 0 3,365,853 TRANSPQRTAEBLE ANTENNA TGWER Donald L. Holzschuh and Evan E. Johnson, Richardson,

Tern, assignors to Collins Radio Company, Cedar lilapids, lawn, a corporation of lawn )Filed Dec. 2, 1964, Ser. No. M5245 3 Claims. (Cl. 52--638) AESTRACT 0F THE DllSCLfldURlE This invention relates generally to tower structures and more particularly to a tower structure formed from a plurality of like modular sections.

In the present era of portable communication systems there is an established need for a lightweight tower usable for antenna purposes which is strong, requires a minimal storage volume, and may be rapidly erected.

A primary object of the invention is the provision of a tower structure more optimally meeting these desirable requirements, wherein construction geometry is realized from a repetitive interconection of like modular prefabricated sections. A generally rectangular base section of the tower serves as a storage member for the disassembled modular structures which ultimately form the tower.

The present invention is featured in the provision of lightweight modular leg assemblies of identical construction three of which may be rapidly interconnected to form a section of tower having a triangular cross section and including horizontal and diagonal base members throughout the geometry.

The invention is further featured in the provision of utilizing quick fastener members, cooperating elements of which are so oriented on each of the modular sub assemblies that the assembly of assembly modules into a tower section may be accomplished in a minimum of time.

A further feature of the invention is the provision of a tower base member which doubles as a storage container for the modular leg assemblies. The base member includes a hinged base plate including ground anchor means. The tower may be assembled on the ground and readily raised into vertical position by means of simple A- frame erection methods.

A further obect of the present invention is the provision of a lightweight tower structure comprised of repetitive modular assemblies which enable a stacking feature permitting stowage in a minimal space so as to minimize the cubic requirement of a cooperating fixed rectangular base member which serves also as a stowage or container device.

A further object of the present invention is the provision of captivated fastening means for a tower structure wherein all assembled hardware becomes an integral part of the interchangeable modular assemblies from which the tower is constructed.

These and other features and objects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following description in connection with the accompanying drawings in which:

3,355,353 Patented dart. 3U, 1%68 FIGURE 1 is a plan view of modular leg assembly in accordance with the present invention and;

FIGURES 26 represent identified sectional details of the assembly of FIGURE 1;

FIGURE 7 illustrates a typical connection between two of the three like modular leg assemblies which comprise a triangular tower section.

FIGURE 8 represents a typical connection between two triangular tower sections;

FfGURE 9 is a structural view illustrating interconnecting means between the base member and a triangular tower section;

FIGURE 10 shows the structural relationship of the hinged base plate as it cooperates with the base portion of the tower transit section;

FlGURE 11 illustrates an assembled tower erection method, and;

FIGURE 12 illustrates a locked connection between studs and receptacles as employed in the invention.

The present invention provides a tower especially usable for transportable communication systems. The tower realizes structural strength from a modular arrangement of interchangeable leg members in a manner and by means which result in a minimum weight. The structure to be described is-basically comprised of identical leg assemblies, three of which fasten together by means of quarter-turn fasteners to form a tower section of predetermined length. The modular leg assemblies, the basic assembly of the tower section, are so formed that they may be stacked alternately in a minimum of space such that, when disassembled and stacked, a minimal cubic requirement for stowage is realized. The tower structure includes a fixed rectangular base section within which the disassembled modular leg assemblies may be stored. The rectangular base section of the tower is thus of a length essentially equal that of the length of the modular leg assemblies and is completely functional in serving both as the bottom structural member of the erected tower and as an efficient storage container for the disassembled tower. The base section of the tower, as will be described, additionally provides a means for ease of erection of the assembled tower structure.

A transportable tower structure must include the features of light weight and ease of transport-ability when disassembled, and permit rapid erection procedures at the desired site. The tower structure of the present invention is an improvement in towers designed toward these ends.

It might be emphasized that the true transportable tower, in addition to being light in weight and readily stowable in a minimum of space, must permit erection procedures which minimize erection time requirements. The tower of the present invention features throughout its construction, fastening means by which the erection may be accomplished in a minimum of time and with a minimum of confusion. Rather than requiring a multiplicity of structural members, the tower of the present invention essentially utilizes a repetitive scheme of but a single structural member. The basic structural member of the modular assembly may be used interchangeably throughout the assembly operation, and further, the hardware by means of which the basic modular assemblies are interconnected to form the tower per se, is self contained and operates on rapid fastening principles. These features reduce erection time to an absolute minimum, since the assembler need not sort out a multitude of structral mem hers and various connecting hardware pieces but need only assemble interchangeable modular assemblies into interchangeable tower sections and subsequently join successive tower sections one to the other with all fastening operations reduced to an extremely rapid and simple op eration by means of either quarter-turn fasteners or captivated detent pins which are integrally a part of or attached to the assembly modules per se.

The manner in which the improved construction provides advanced utility and the novel features by means of which the improved utilitarian features are realized, may best be comprehended from reference to the accompanying figures which illustrate the modular construction principle and erection principles permitted thereby.

The construction principles of the tower of this invention may best be comprehended by first examining the basic modular assembly from which the tower structure, exclusive of base section, is assembled. FIGURE 1 illustrates the basic leg assembly, three of which fasten together to form a triangular tower section of a predetermined length. A plurality of leg assemblies, each identical to that pictured in FIGURE 1, are thus interconnected to form a tower section.

The leg assembly of FIGURE 1 is seen to comprise a tower leg member 20 to which are afiixed a repetitive geometry of brace members. A plurality of brace fitting members 26 are disposed at equal intervals along the leg member 20. The brace fitting members are identical pieces, constructional aspects of which are illustrated in FIG- URE 3 which depicts a section 3-3 as identified in FIG- URE 1. The member 26 is seen to be comprised of a sleeve portion adapted to fit over the leg member 20. In a preferred construction the sleeve portion of the fitting 26 would be bonded to the leg member 20. A pair of radially projecting flanges 3t) and 32 communicate with the sleeve portion of the fitting 26. The flanges 30 and 32 are mutually disposed at a 60 angle on the sleeve circumference. The first flange 30 has aflixed thereto the female portion 20d of a quarter-turn fastener. The flange 32 is formed with a mounting hole through which a rivet member 33 may be received so as to facilitate fastening one end of a horizontal brace member 29a to the brace fitting 26. The section 33 depicted in FIGURE 3 illustrates but a single brace member 20a being aifixed to projection 32. Reference to FIGURE 6 illustrates that successive ones of the brace fittings have attached thereto one end of a diagonal brace member 20b in addition to one end of a horizontal brace member 20a. By this means the horizontal brace members 20a and diagonal brace members 20b are repetitively afiixed to the brace fittings 26.

The other ends of the brace members 20a and 20b are formed respectively with mating holes through which the male member 200 of a quarter-turn fastener is received and captivated. FIGURE 4 illustrates a view 4-4 of the structure of FIGURE 1 which shows the male or stud member of a quarter-turn fastener 200 as it is received through the ends of a horizontal brace member 20a and a diagonal brace member 20b. The transverse camming pin 34c of the fastener stud 200 along with Washer 34a and washer-spacer 34- serve as captivating means for the stud 200.

With reference to FIGURE 1 the top and bottom ends of the tower leg member 20 communicate with cap members 24 and 23, respectively. The cap members may be placed over the respective ends of the leg members and bonded in place. The top cap member 24 is oriented at a 30 angle with respect to the assembly of FIGURE 1 as pictured in view 22 of FIGURE 2. Cap member 24 has formed on the end thereof a single centrally projecting dog 27. The bottom cap member 23 is affixed to the other end of the leg 20 at an angle of 30 with respect to the structure of FIGURE 1 as pictured in view 5 of FIG- URE 5. Cap member 23 has formed thereon a pair of dogs 28 and 29 between which is received the single dog projecting from the top cap member 24 when successive tower sections are ultimately interconnected. This interconnection, which will be further described, is facilitated rapidly by means of a captivating detent pin 25 which is receivable through through-holes in the cap members 24 and 23 to facilitate rapid interconnection and fastening therebetween.

The structure of FIGURE 1 thus comprises the basic modular member from which the tower of the invention is ultimately constructed. It is noted that each of the brace fittings 26 comprises a properly oriented quarter-turn fastener receptacle into which ultimately a cooperating locking stud 200 may be received and fastened. The top and bottom of each of the leg members 20 of the modular as sembly are seen to be fitted with properly oriented male and female interconnecting cap members.

FIGURE 7 illustrates a typical connection of two of the modular leg assemblies of FIGURE 1 so as to form tWo sides of a triangular tower section. Rapid interconnection is facilitated by merely orienting the quarter-turn fastener studs 20c associated wtih one modular assembly with the mating quarter-turn receptacle 20d on a second modular assembly. For purposes of illustration, FIG- URE 7 illustrates a first modular assembly identified by leg 20, horizontal brace member 20a, and diagonal brace members 20b in conjunction with fastener stud members 20c, wherein the reference numerals are like those depicted in FIGURE 1. The second of the modular leg assemblies of FIGURE 7 is identified by means of a leg member 21, horizontal brace members 21a, diagonal brace members 2112 and fastening studs 210. It is readily seen from the partial assemblage of FIGURE 7 that a third modular leg assembly as depicted in FIGURE 1 mates with the two assemblies illustrated to form the third side of a triangular tower section. Interconnection between the three sides to form a triangular tower section is accomplished by merely turning the studs of quarter-turn fasteners.

With further reference to FIGURE 4, a spacer-Washer 34 is carried on the shank of quarter-turn stud members 200 and captivated between the transverse pin 340 on the stud and the brace members. This spacer is included to cooperate with and fill the space between the fastener stud body and holes 30a in flanges 30 (FIG. 3) of the brace fittings 26 which act as clearance holes for fastener receptacle members 20d. Upon a lock being established between stud and receptacle, an improved shear load distribution is thereby provided. It is to be realized that the quarter-turn fasteners, as they are employed in the construction, are essentially known devices. Quarter-turn fasteners however, are primarily designed to provide a tension-compression clamp. Due to the necessity of an access hole to permit ready insertion of the stud into the locking receptacle, such fasteners inherently permit a slight sliding motion between the two members being clamped since the transverse pin 34c on the stud requires a receptacle access hole with diameter in excess of the stud shank diameter. For use in the tower structure of this invention, the standard fastener item is provided with washer or spacer member 34 designed to fit in the clearance hole 30a for the female receptacle 20d such that upon locking between the stud and the receptacle, a positive clamp is achieved and, in addition, the two members being clamped are constrained against sliding motion therebetween as evidenced by the assembled relationship illustrated in FIG. 12. This feature thus permits the advantage of rapid fastening provided by quarter-turn fasteners, while at the same time eliminating the disadvantage inherent in conventional quarter-turn fasteners which permits a sliding motion between the clamped members, and which in a tower structure would introduce a disadvantageous shear load distribution and dimensional instability in the assembled tower.

FIGURE 8 illustrates a typical connection between two triangular tower sections 13, which as above described, are assembled by means of quarter-turn fasteners which are integrally a part of the modular assemblies. FIGURE 8 illustrates the simple interconnection between two triangular tower sections by means of the mating cap members 23 and 24 through which captivating detent pins 25 are placed to complete the interconnection.

FIGURE 9 illustrates the connection between the tower base section 10 and the base of a triangular tower section 13. It is to be realized that, although not specifically illustrated, the base tower section 10 is of a length which Will facilitate the stowage of the tower leg assemblies of of FIGURE 1. With reference to FIGURE 9 it is seen that the tower base section 10 is provided with an upper plate section 11 including interface members within which are formed three receptacles 12. Receptacles 12 are cylindrical in nature and formed to receive the bottom cap members 23 of the modular leg assemblies. By means of a transverse through-hole in receptacles 12, interconnection between the bottom leg cap members 23 and the base member receptacles 12 is facilitated by means of captivating detent pins 9.

FIGURE 10 illustrates the lower portion of the rectangular tower base member 10 to which is attached a pivoted base plate 14. The base plate 14 also serves as a door to the base section 10 to facilitate loading and unloading of the modular leg assemblies inside the base member 10. The base plate 14 is fitted with projecting dogs 18 to facilitate an interconnection between the base plate 14 and the rectangular base structure by means of captivating detent pins 25. Ground stakes 15 and 16 may then be driven through holes within the base plate 14 to anchor the base plate to the ground prior to erection of the tower to vertical position. The base plate 14 is additionally provided with a further pair of projecting dogs 19 through which detent pins may be placed to complete a pinned and locked connection between the base member 10 and the base plate 14 when the tower is in vertical erected position. The dog members 19 may also be provided with additional projections 19:: through which the legs and 36 of an A-frame may be pivotally captivated by detent pins to facilitate the erection of the tower to vertical position.

FIGURE 11 illustrates an erected tower structure comprised of interconnected tower sections 13 mounted on rectangular base member 10. The base member plate 14 is seen to be anchored to the ground. A-frame members 35 and 36 are shown pivotably pinned to the base plate 14 such that a lifting guy wire 40, attached to the upper portion of the tower structure, may accomplish erection of the tower to the vertical position by exerting a force on a further guy wire 41 which might be attached to a winch or other device (not illustrated).

The present invention is thus seen to provide a strong, light-weight tower structure which may be erected by rapid fastening between like modular leg assemblies to form tower sections which in turn may be rapidly joined to form the ultimate tower structure. The tower may be assembled rapidly by fastening means which facilitate rapid assembly yet retain diagonal stability and shear load distribution.

Although the present invention has been described with respect to a particular embodiment thereof it is not to be so limited as changes might be made therein which fall within the scope of the invention as described by the appended claims.

We claim:

1. A tower structure comprising a repetitive interconnection of like modular leg assemblies to form a symmetrical tower section of predetermined height; each of said modular leg assemblies comprising a leg member, a plurality of horizontal and diagonal brace members, a plurality of first radially extending flange members disposed along the longitudinal axis of said leg member, first ends of a horizontal brace member and a diagonal brace member aflixed to each of said first flange members, juxtaposed ones of the other ends of said horizontal and diagonal brace members having formed therethrough mating access holes, a male locking stud member slidably received through said mating access holes, and interlocking means to hold said locking stud members captive in said mating access holes said braces and leg members being substantially coplanar, a plurality of second radially extending flange members disposed along the longitudinal axis of said leg member, a locking stud receptacle aflixed to each of said second flange members, one of said locking stud members being receivable and mateable in said locking stud receptacle to facilitate a clamping interconnection, each of said plurality of second flange members having formed therethrough an access hole facilitating clearance for the insertion of a locking stud member through said second flange member and into said locking receptacle, each of said locking stud members having formed through the shank portion thereof a transverse pin member for camming cooperation with said locking receptacle, said brace members being confined between the head of said locking stud and said transverse pin member, a spacerwasher carried on the shank portion of said locking stud member, said spacer-washer held captive between said transverse pin member and said brace members, said spacer-washer having an inside diameter permitting a sliding fit with the shank portion of said locking stud and an outside diameter corresponding to the diameter of said fastener receptacle access hole, said spacer-washer having a thickness corresponding to that of said second flange members whereupon said other ends of said horizontal and diagonal brace members of said one leg assembly are clamped to corresponding second. flange members on a further one of said leg assemblies and slippage between said brace members and said corresponding second flange members transverse of the axis of said locking stud is obviated, and a plurality of said leg assemblies being interlocked by mating of the locking stud members on one leg assembly with cooperating ones of said locking stud receptacles on said dfurther one of said leg assemblies.

2. In a tower structure of the type including a plurality of vertical leg members interconnected by horizontal and diagonal brace members, said legs having formed thereon first plate flanges and predetermined ones of said brace members being terminated in second plate flanges; means for facilitating a rapid interlock between predetermined ones of said brace members and said leg members comprising; a locking stud member slideably received in a through-hole in each of said second plate flanges, said locking stud member having formed through the shank portion thereof a transverse pin member and being confined in said second plate flanges between the head of said locking stud and said transverse pin member, said first plate flanges carrying a locking receptacle for said locking stud and having formed there'through an access hole facilitating clearance for the insertion of a locking stud member into said locking receptacle, a spacer-Washer carried on the shank portion of locking stud member, said spacer-washer held captive between said transverse pin member and said second plate flanges, said spacer-washer having an inside diameter permitting a sliding fit with the shank portion of said locking stud and an outside diameter corresponding to the diameter of said locking receptacle access hole, said spacer-washer having a thickness corresponding to that of said first plate flanges, whereupon said first and second plate flanges are clamped by locking engagement between said locking stud and said receptacle and slippage between said first and second plate flanges transverse of the axis of said locking stud is obviated.

3. Means for clamping first and second plates in substantially coplanar relationship comprising a locking stud member slideably received in a through-hole in a first one of said plates, said locking stud member having formed through the shank portion thereof a transverse pin member and being confined in said first plate between the head of said locking stud and said transverse pin member, the second one of said plates carrying a locking receptacle for said locking stud and having \formed therethrough an access hole facilitating clearance for the insertion of a locking stud member through said second plate and into said locking receptacle, a spacer-Washer carried on the shank portion of said locking stud members, said spacerwasher held captive between said transverse pin member and said first plate, said spacer-washer having an inside diameter permitting a sliding fit with the shank portion of said locking stud and an outside diameter corresponding to the diameter of said fastener receptacle access hole, said spacer-washer having a thickness corresponding to that of said second plate, whereupon said first and second plates are clamped by locking engagement between said locking stud and said receptacle and slippage between said first and second plates transverse of the axis of said locking stud is obviated.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,527,323 2/1925 Moore 52638 X 1,601,254 9/1926 McEwen 52638 2,060,436 11/1936 Wetzel 52646 X 2,258,668 10/ 1941 Zahodiakin.

2,403,080 7/1946 Hilborn 52116 X 2,454,223 11/ 1948 Shippe.

2,855,617 10/1958 Brorns et a1. 52646 X 3,033,527 5/1962 Wilson 52116 X 3,156,329 11/1964 Alberti 52638 FOREIGN PATENTS 159,962 1964 Russia.

HENRY C. SUTHERLAND, Primary Examiner.

FRANK L. ABBOTT, Examiner.

PRICE C. FAW, R. S. VERMUT, Assistant Examiners. 

